Geography & environment — Jamaica
Location, land area, terrain, climate, and natural resources.
Profile updated 2026-06-02
⚡ Geography & environment at a glance
Location, land area, terrain, climate, and natural resources. Key figure for Jamaica: The Caribbean
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Location & size
- Geographic Location
The Caribbean
- Geographic Coordinates
18 15 N, 77 30 W
- Total Area
4,244 Square Miles 10,991 Square Kilometers
- Land Area
4,182 Square Miles 10,831 Square Kilometers
- Water Area
62 Square Miles 160 Square Kilometers
- Coastline
635 Miles 1,022 Kilometers
Physical geography
- Terrain
mostly mountains, with narrow, discontinuous coastal plain
- Highest Point
2,256 Meters
- Highest Point Location
Blue Mountain Peak 2,256 m
- Lowest Point Location
Caribbean Sea 0 m
- Natural Resources
bauxite, gypsum, limestone
- Irrigated Land
97 Square Miles 252 Square Kilometers
Climate & time
- Time Zone
UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Climate
- Climate
Jamaica enjoys a favorable climate. Daily temperatures average 79°F, with an average maximum of 86.5°F and an average minimum of 71.5°F. Temperatures vary depending on elevation, however for all locations, the warmest months are June to August and the coolest months are December to February. Northeast trade winds help maintain a feeling of relative comfort. Elevation and the island's geography affect temperature and rainfall markedly. Rainfall varies from an annual average of 35 to 200 inches depending on location. Rainfall is generally heaviest during May-June and September-November, though these are not rainy seasons in the tropical sense. Mildew is a problem during these months. December-March are the driest months. Relative humidity in Kingston ranges from about 70-85%. Jamaica is in the earthquake and hurricane belts, but has not had a disastrous earthquake since 1907, though there are usually a few tremors every year. In September 2004, the island was struck by Hurricane Ivan, the first since Hurricane Gilbert devastated much of the island in 1988. The main force of the storm affected the entire island, especially the southern coastal areas, and caused widespread damage, mainly to crops and vegetation, coastal properties, utilities, and roofs. Jamaica has over 600 insect species as well as 250 bird species-25 of which belong only to Jamaica. About 120 species of butterflies, including the world's largest (with a 6 inch wingspan), are also found here. The island is especially noted for its fireflies, otherwise known as blinkies or peeny-waullies. A profusion of flowering shrubs, trees, and cactuses reflects Jamaica's great variation of climate and topography. Hundreds of imported plants are well established. Pimento, or allspice, is from an indigenous plant, and Jamaica is the world's largest producer. The ortanique, developed in Jamaica, is a cross between an orange and a tangerine. Jamaica also has over 220 species of native orchids, over 500 different ferns, more than 300 mosses, and many fungi.
- Terrain
mostly mountains, with narrow, discontinuous coastal plain
- Location
Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba
- Total Area
4,244 Square Miles 10,991 Square Kilometers
Environment
- Environment - Current Issues
heavy rates of deforestation
coastal waters polluted by industrial waste, sewage, and oil spills
damage to coral reefs
air pollution in Kingston results from vehicle emissions
- Environment - International Agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements